The Ultimate Movie Guide: 27 Must-See Films Premiering Before 2024 Ends

Rebel Ridge | Sep 6 | Netflix

Directed by Jeremy Saulnier, ‘Rebel Ridge’ follows Terry Richmond (Aaron Pierre), who heads to the small town of Shelby Springs to bail out his cousin. However, his mission quickly turns perilous when local law enforcement seizes his life savings. Terry finds himself up against the town’s powerful police chief, Sandy Burnne (Don Johnson), and his team. With the help of court clerk Summer McBride (AnnaSophia Robb), Terry uncovers a deep conspiracy gripping the town. As the stakes rise, Terry must rely on his mysterious past to fight the corrupt system and protect his family and Summer.

 

The Front Room | Sep 6 | In theaters

“The Front Room” tells the unsettling story of a young, newly pregnant couple who reluctantly take in an estranged, ailing stepmother-in-law. Brandy plays Belinda, the expectant mother, alongside Kathryn Hunter, Andrew Burnap, and Neal Huff. The tension rises as Belinda’s mother-in-law, portrayed by Hunter, becomes a menacing presence in their home, revealing deep-seated racism and fanaticism.

 

 

Uglies | Sep 13 | Netflix

The story centers on Tally, a young girl eagerly awaiting her sixteenth birthday, when she will undergo the surgery that will transform her from an “ugly” into a “pretty,” ushering her into a world of luxury and ease. However, when her friend Shay decides to flee rather than conform, Tally is thrust into a dilemma that forces her to question everything she has ever known about beauty and identity. The official logline teases a gripping conflict: “The authorities offer Tally a choice: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. Tally’s choice will change her world forever.”

 

The Killer’s Game | Sep 13 | In theaters

The film follows Joe Flood, portrayed by Dave Bautista, a top hitman who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, decides to orchestrate his own assassination. But when the very hitmen he hired turn their attention to his ex-girlfriend, Maize (Sofia Boutella), Joe must fend off a horde of deadly colleagues and reclaim the love of his life before time runs out.

 

Never Let Go | Sep 20 | In theaters

Directed by Aja, known for his work on ‘Crawl’ and ‘The Hills Have Eyes,’ ‘Never Let Go’ tells the chilling story of a mother, played by Berry, who must protect her twin sons from a malevolent force. The family stays physically connected, even using ropes to tether themselves together. But when one of the boys begins to doubt the reality of the threat, their protective bond is shattered, leading to a terrifying fight for survival.

 

 

Omni Loop | Sep 20 | In select theaters/VOD

Described as ‘Groundhog Day’ with a dark twist, ‘Omni Loop’ tells the story of Zoya Lowe, a quantum physicist portrayed by Parker, who finds herself trapped in a time loop with a growing black hole in her chest and only a week left to live. Unbeknownst to her doctors and loved ones, Zoya has relived this week countless times. Her endless cycle takes a turn when she meets Paula, a gifted student played by Edebiri. Together, they embark on a quest to save Zoya and unravel the mysteries of time travel.

 

Transformers One | Sep 20 | In theaters

An origin story set on the planet Cybertron centering around the history of the Transformers race and the relationship between two Cybertronian workers named Orion Pax and D-16 as they go from brothers-in-arms to archenemies as Optimus Prime and Megatron.

 

 

Megalopolis | Sep 27 | In theaters

‘Megalopolis’ is a mix of Roman and modern American settings. It’s about a city called New Rome facing big changes. Cesar, played by Driver, wants a better future, while Mayor Franklyn Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito, wants things to stay the same. This creates a clash, with Nathalie Emmanuel’s character, Julia Cicero, caught in the middle, torn between love and beliefs about what’s right for society.

 

 

Amber Alert | Sep 27 | Select Theaters/VOD

‘Amber Alert’ transforms an ordinary ride-share into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. The plot centers around Jaq (Hayden Panettiere), excited for her first day at a new job, and her driver, Shane (Tyler James Williams), looking to earn extra income. Their lives take an unexpected turn when an alert about a child abduction appears on their phones, leading them to a car matching the kidnapper’s description. Fueled by the determination to stop a potential child trafficker, they embark on a pursuit that jeopardizes their own safety.

 

 

She Taught Love | Sep 27 | Select Theaters/VOD

She Taught Love’s cast is led by Arsema Thomas (‘Queen Charlotte’) and Darrell Britt-Gibson (‘We Own This City’). Britt-Gibson, who also penned the screenplay, portrays Frank Cooper, a former star of the prestigious cable series “The Street.” Since leaving the show, Frank has been drifting through life, numbing his pain with women, alcohol, and drugs, while settling for stereotypical roles as gang members and drug dealers. However, his world is upended when he crosses paths with Mali Waters, played by Thomas, a dynamic sports agent who lives in the moment. The undeniable chemistry between Frank and Mali forces them to confront their deepest fears and desires as they navigate the complexities of their evolving relationship.

 

 

The Wild Robot | Sep 27 | In Theaters

‘The Wild Robot’ tells the story of Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), a ROZZUM unit 7134 robot who finds herself shipwrecked on a deserted island. As she navigates her new environment, Roz learns to survive by forming unexpected bonds with the island’s wildlife, ultimately becoming a surrogate mother to an orphaned gosling.

 

 

Saturday Night | Oct 11 | In theaters

Tensions run high as producer Lorne Michaels and a ferocious troupe of young comedians and writers prepare for the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” on Oct. 11, 1975.

 

Piece by Piece | Oct 11 | In theaters

LEGO bricks tell the life story of singer/songwriter and record producer Pharrell Williams — from his childhood in Virginia to his success in the music and fashion industry.

 

The Line | Oct 18  (wide on Oct 23) | In theaters

At the heart of The Line is Tom, played by Alex Wolff (Hereditary), a working-class student determined to climb the social ladder at his prestigious Southern college through the KNA fraternity. Tom’s ambition is fueled by the fraternity’s promises of lifelong connections and success, but the reality of Greek life soon becomes much darker. As he rises in the ranks, becoming head of recruitment, Tom is drawn into a web of manipulation and high-stakes gamesmanship led by the fraternity president, portrayed by Lewis Pullman (Thunderbolts). The tension escalates when Tom meets Annabelle, played by Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid), who challenges his commitment to the fraternity and offers a glimpse of a different life.

 

Venom: The Last Dance | Oct 25 | In theaters

In Venom: The Last Dance, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.

 

 

Nickel Boys | Oct 25 | in theaters

“Nickel Boys” tells the harrowing story of a friendship between two young Black men at a notorious reform school in Florida during the 1960s. The cast features Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, and Daveed Diggs. The film reunites Ellis and Herisse, who previously portrayed mother and son in Ava DuVernay’s acclaimed 2019 series, “When They See Us.”

The narrative centers on Elwood Curtis, a young Black boy in 1960s Tallahassee who is unjustly sentenced to the Nickel Academy, a reform school infamous for its brutal treatment of students. The film explores Elwood’s struggle to maintain his ideals despite the harsh realities of the academy, and his evolving friendship with Turner, a fellow inmate who believes that survival depends on outsmarting the system. The tension between Elwood’s optimism and Turner’s skepticism drives the story to a climactic decision with long-lasting consequences.

 

Time Cut | Oct 30 | Netflix

A high school senior student and amateur inventor accidentally finds a time machine and travels back to 2003, the year her sister was murdered by an unknown killer.

 

 

My Dead Friend Zoe | Nov 1 | In theaters

The dark comedy drama that follows the journey of Merit (Sonequa Martin-Green), a U.S. Army Afghanistan veteran who is at odds with her family thanks to the presence of Zoe (Natalie Morales), her dead best friend from the Army. Despite the persistence of her VA group counselor (Morgan Freeman), the tough love of her mother (Gloria Reuben) and the levity of an unexpected love interest, Merit’s cozy-dysfunctional friendship with Zoe keeps the duo insulated from the world. That is until Merit’s estranged grandfather (Ed Harris) — holed up at the family’s ancestral lake house — begins to lose his way and needs the one thing he refuses… help. At its core, this is a buddy film about a complicated friendship, a divided family, and the complex ways in which we process grief.

 

Meet Me Next Christmas | Nov 6 | Netflix

The film follows the yuletide journey of Layla, a woman whose pursuit of a fairy-tale romance with the man of her dreams leads her on a race against time to secure tickets to New York City’s hottest gig: the sold out Pentatonix Christmas Eve Concert.

 

The Piano Lesson | Nov 8 (streaming) Nov 22) | In theaters/Netflix

A brother and sister’s battle over a prized heirloom piano unleashes haunting truths about how the past is perceived — and who defines a family legacy.

 

Gladiator II | Nov 22 | In theaters

The plot centers on Lucius, now living a tranquil life with his family in Numidia. His peace is shattered when General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal) invades, forcing Lucius into slavery. Inspired by the legendary Maximus (portrayed by Russell Crowe in the original film), Lucius decides to become a gladiator and challenge the rule of Emperors Caracalla (Fred Hechinger) and Geta (Joseph Quinn).

 

 

Wicked | Nov 22 | In theaters

Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths.

 

Brewster’s Millions: Christmas | Dec 5 | Bet Plus

‘Brewster’s Millions: Christmas’ follows Morgan Brewster (McClain) as she embarks on a whirlwind adventure to claim her uncle Montgomery’s inheritance before Christmas. Surrounded by the festive chaos of the holiday season, Morgan and her companions discover the true meaning of Christmas through the act of giving.

 

The Six Triple Eight | Dec 6/20 | In theaters/Netflix

The Six Triple Eight is inspired by the true story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only all-Black, all-female unit in the Women’s Army Corps to serve overseas during World War II. These women faced extreme challenges, including racism, sexism, and difficult working conditions, yet they remained resolute in their mission to serve their country. The battalion’s extraordinary story, which has long been overlooked, is based on Kevin M. Hymel’s article “Fighting A Two-Front War,” originally published in WWII History Magazine.

 

Mufasa: The Lion King | Dec 20 | In theaters

The film, directed by Jenkins, explores the origin story of Mufasa, charting his journey from orphaned cub to the revered ruler of Pride Rock. Aaron Pierre and Kelvin Harrison Jr. lead the voice cast as the young Mufasa and Taka/Scar, respectively. Beyoncé returns to voice Nala, while her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, will debut as Kiara.

 

 

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Dec 20 | In theaters

Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite to battle Shadow, a mysterious new enemy with powers unlike anything they’ve faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, they seek out an unlikely alliance to stop Shadow and protect the planet.

 

The Fire Inside | Dec 25 | In theaters

The film, written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Barry Jenkins, focuses on Shields’ high school years as she prepares for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Henry plays her coach, Jason Crutchfield.

 

Unstoppable | Dec | Prime Video

Unstoppable is an inspiring, true story about Anthony Robles (played by Jharrel Jerome) who defied every expectation to become a national wrestling champion.